upgrade

[uhp-greyd, uhp-greyd, uhp-greyd, uhp-greyd]

noun

1. an incline going up in the direction of movement.

2. an increase or improvement.

   an upgrade in the year's profit forecast.

3. a new version, improved model, etc..

   The company is offering an upgrade of its sports sedan.

4. an increase or improvement in one's service, accommodations, privileges, or the like.

   If the ship isn't full we'll receive an upgrade to a deluxe stateroom.

5. something, as a piece of equipment, that serves to improve or enhance.

   a full range of upgrades available for your computer.

adjective

1. uphill; of, pertaining to, on, or along an upgrade.

adverb

1. up a slope.

verb (used with object)

upgraded, upgrading 

1. to promote to a higher grade or rank.

   He has been upgraded to senior vice president.

2. to improve or enhance the quality or value of.

   to upgrade property by landscaping it.

verb (used without object)

upgraded, upgrading 

1. to improve the quality, value, effectiveness, or performance of something.

   Buy this basic computer and upgrade whenever you're ready.

upgrade

verb

1. to assign or promote (a person or job) to a higher professional rank or position

2. to raise in value, importance, esteem, etc

3. to improve (a breed of livestock) by crossing with a better strain

noun

1. an upward slope

2. improving or progressing, as in importance, status, health, etc

adjective

1. going or sloping upwards

adverb

1. up an incline, hill, or slope

Other Word Forms

• upgrader noun
• upgradable adjective
• upgradeable adjective
• upgradability noun
• upgradeability noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of upgrade¹

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75; up- + grade

Example Sentences

But there are costs to renewables too, including green levies to fund the rollout of renewables and upgrades to the electricity grid.

Read more on BBC

The third version of Starship, V3, will be a “massive upgrade” from the current model, according to Chief Executive Elon Musk.

Read more on MarketWatch

The OpenAI deal led analysts at Wolfe Research to upgrade AMD’s stock on Tuesday to outperform from peer perform.

Read more on MarketWatch

The Southern California ports are landlords that rely on private companies to upgrade and operate cargo-handling facilities.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Chancellor Rachel Reeves welcomed the fresh upgrade to the IMF's outlook for the UK's economy.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• boost 
• enhance 
• increase 
• promote 
• raise